Did you know pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US? It’s kind of a big dill. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball shares similarities with tennis, table tennis, and badminton (as well as other paddle ball sports).
What’s up with the name? Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum near Seattle, WA. Joan Pritchard named the sport after the rowing term “pickle boat,” aka a crew made up of leftover rowers, because it throws together elements of different games.
The sport has official rules and regulations and a national governing body — USA Pickleball. Here’s the lowdown on the game so you don’t find yourself in a pickle:
- It can be played indoors or outdoors.
- The court is badminton-sized with a modified tennis net.
- The pickleball itself is made of plastic and has holes, like a wiffleball. The paddle is a little smaller than a tennis racquet.
- It can be played as doubles or singles with 2-4 people.
We could explain all the rules to you — instead we’ll let this helpful video do it for us.
Ready to grab a paddle and see what makes pickleball such a big dill? See our guide below on where to play. Bonus: We’ve got a guide on the best gifts for pickleball players.
Charleston
- General William Moultrie Playground | 41 Ashley Ave. | Free to play during daylight hours
- James Island Recreation Center | 1088 Quail Dr. | Free to members of the Lowcountry Senior Center, and $2 fee for residents, $4 for non-residents
- Salvation Army Center | 2135 Ashley River Rd. | One-time fee required to play
- St. Andrews Park Recreation Center | 1095 Playground Rd. | $2 per visit
- Waring Senior Center | 2001 Henry Tecklenburg Dr. | $5 daily pass/members free on outdoor courts
- Arthur W. Christopher Community Center (Fishburne Gym) | 265 Fishburne St. | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., $1 per visit
- Bees Landing Recreation Center | 1580 Ashley Garden Blvd. | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $2 for residents, $4 for nonresidents
North Charleston
- Collins Park | 4155 Fellowship Rd. | Free, play during park hours
- North Charleston Athletic Center | 5794 Casper Padgett Way | Free
- North Charleston Sports Complex | 1455 Monitor St. | Free
Folly Beach
- Pirate Cove Courts | 510 E. Erie Ave. | Free, 8 a.m.-sunset
Mount Pleasant
- Crush Yard | 3365 S. Morgans Point Rd. | Prices vary — offers court rental, membership, classes and lessons, and drop ins
- Miriam Brown Community Center | 118 Royall Ave. | Drop-in play is free on a first come, first served basis
- Park West Gym | 1251 Park West Blvd. | Drop-in play is free
- Town Hall Gym | 100 Ann Edwards Ln. | Drop-in play is free
- Park West Tennis Courts | 1251 Park West Blvd. | Drop-in play is free
Summerville
- The Pickle Bar, 162 Cherry St. | Prices vary
- Cane Bay Family YMCA | 1655 Cane Bay Blvd. | $4 per person
- Rollins Edwards Community Center | 301 North Hickory St. | $3 non-members, $1 members
- Summerville Family YMCA at the Ponds | 101 Pottery Cir.
Goose Creek
- Goose Creek Community Center | 519a North Goose Creek Blvd. | Free for members, $2 per day for non-members
Please note that times, days, fees, and availability are subject to change. Call or email the facility to confirm pickleball schedules.
